Cadiz is an old city of Spain located in Andalusia. In fact it is one of Europe’s oldest cities! Such is evident in its physical makeup seen in the landscape, buildings and structures that are in many ways preserved to its olden fashion. Cadiz is influence by Moorish culture visible in the cobbled stone streets and houses. A stroll through its neighborhood is a course of experience through history. The mountain villages is a composition of small white houses, most of which of Moorish and Roman remains. The Arcos de la Frontera is a beautiful village located in the high cliffs that from a distant view looks like a blooming white flower. These mountain view places are perfect for group camp-outs and fun-filled adventure. Furthermore, the ancient churches, cathedrals, castles, palaces, museums, gardens and national parks are an amazing treat for trippers. Any trip is not complete without a visit to the Grazalema Natural Park, the Town Hall and the Cabildo Square. The Donana is a wildlife wonderland. The Coast of the Light is a long strip of neat and stunning beaches along with a windy coast making a beautiful weather. The high waves are perfect for adrenaline sports such as surfing! But most of all, it is hard not to get tempted to dive in the cool, blue waters so enchanting, not to mention the beautiful serene view beyond the horizon. Moreover, it is close to the tranquil villages of San Fernando, Rota and Chipiona, and countless resorts are seen nearby.
The food is one of a kind as it is a combination of Roman, Arab and Fenician. The rich history of Cadiz influenced its general piece. The major specialties are in the dishes of oysters, clams, squid, shrimps and the like. Being close to the seas these typical dishes are made more elaborate resulting to a savory taste. Indeed, not only is Cadiz mysteriously marvelous, the food is even terrific. The common leisure recreation of Cadiz is the festive tradition of the Carnival. People participate by presenting themselves in creative figures wearing costumes and masks as they dance along or sing their hearts out! This festival is known to be the most enjoyable carnival in Spain. There is so much more to Cadiz beyond its simple yet diversified quality.
The city if Cadiz was one of the old cities in Europe and known for its historical buildings, colonial churches and plazas. It is located in the southern part of the Spain. It is one of the most well developed cities in Spain which provides many beautiful and amazing sceneries that surely makes each visitors love.
Other than beaches, mountains, nutritious delicacies, there are also Nature Parks and gardens that reserved and scattered around the province. Among of them are:
The Parque Natural Sierra De Grazalema- was the first declared Nature Park. It was declared in 1984 with the area of 51,695 hectares. This park features impressive landscape of limestone, rivers, caves and spring. Also found here the largest cave system The Hundidero.
The Parque Natural Los Alcornocales – it is located south of Sierra De Grazalema with the area of 167,767 hectares It features the largest cork tree grove in the Iberian Peninsula. It has ecological setting which 40 species of ferns can be found. There are also subtropical forests that stand on the canutos, the narrow v-shaped valleys etched by the rivers. This type of forest was considered to have great ecological value.
Parque Natural de Doñana- It said to be the important wetland reserved across Europe. This park was named after an old anti-social Spanish duchess Dona Ana de Silva y Mendoza.
Parque Natural Bahia de Cadiz- It is known for having a wealthy collection of wildlife. Salt industry found here since ancient times not only for seasoning but also for preserving foods. Tourist will really love to visit here for you could also found the San Fernando Botanical Garden just within the park.
Parque Natural del Estrecho-Located in the southern tip part of the Spain. It faces in the Atlantic Ocean in one side and Mediterranean on the other side. You can also see famous flowers such as varieties of wild tulips, palmate anemones and Spanish irises.
And Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas de Barbate- it is the smallest nature park occupying of a total 4,863 hectares only. It features a very beautiful and amazing seaside view of rocky cliffs. One of the park’s main natural resources is pine nuts from Pinar de la breña.
The city of Cadiz is famous as the oldest city of Europe. Cadiz can best describe like a tongue that widens out into the Cadiz bay which forms fortified peninsula adjoining to firm land. During the Phoenician rule, Cadiz was called Gadir. Cadiz city when being compared to the other cities in Spain was never rebuilt and its appearance remains old, picturesque but very kempt. Compared to the Andalusian cities, Cadiz stands out for its Moorish architecture, narrow paved stone streets as well as the approachable people of the south.
Incredible sights to see in Cadiz include:
* The Museo de Cadiz—famous museum which is devoted to the archeological artifacts and Spanish fine art. This museum is segregated into three different sections which are being split into two buildings. One of the buildings is known used as a Franciscan convent. The two sections are displayed with archeological items and fine arts while the other is devoted to ethnography. The archeological displays housed in here are the Phoenician sarcophagi since the 5th century BCE and the Phoenician jewelry. Within the fine arts gallery are found the masterpieces of Murillo, Alonso Cano, the celebrated Quartet of Evangelists and other pride of Zurbaran.
* Cadiz Cathedral—talking about Cadiz’s panoramic sceneries, the city’s cathedral is considered famous landmark. It was in the year of 116 where this magnificent cathedral of Cadiz is built which begins in the late 18th century. The cathedral in fact had a baroque façade, however because of its drawn-out construction, eventually it was refurbished into a neoclassical design. The design that it has nowadays is composed of golden brick. There are various popular Spanish personalities buried in the crypt, even the well-known composer Manuel de Falla.
The popular Events and Festivals in Cadiz:
* Carnival—the most famous festival in Cadiz is their yearly Carnival. Cadiz is composed of the Carnival tradition since the 1500s when the city determined to outdo Venice’s storied celebrations. Traditionally, the carnival in Cadiz took place the week before Lent which basically begins during Ash Wednesday. The city feature parades which mostly took place on Sundays which is before and after Ash Wednesday.
* Cadiz Nightlife—with regards to the city’s nightlife, Cadiz features impressive and vibrant nightlife. Cadiz is known as the center for nightlife activity which modified from the new town along the beachfront in summer towards the sheltered old town in the winter.